Sauchie Juniors appoint Jon Tully as permanent manager

The former Red took the reins towards the end of last season after the shock departure of stalwart Fraser Duncan.

Leading the team for the final 12 games, Tully steered Sauchie away from the relegation spots after they were docked 15 points for allegedly failing to register players with COMET.

Speaking to the club, Tully said: "I would just like to thank the club for this fantastic opportunity.

"I always wanted to be a manager and for it to come as early as it has is fantastic for me.

Craig Comrie will also form part of the Sauchie backroom team. (Image: Sauchie Juniors) "With a very large bulk of the current squad already signed up and a few new faces agreed, some guys coming in on trial, it will be good to see them all in action together, getting to know how each other plays and learning the new systems of play we will enforce into them for this season.

"With the league due to change again next season, it will be very exciting for everyone involved, so it's vital we get organised as quickly and settled as we can.

"A full pre-season has already been organised, it's time for all the hard work on the field to start."

Following on from his stint as interim manager from February to May, Tully completed his level C coaching licence to qualify him for the position.

With the COMET fiasco having a big impact on last season, coupled with the tragic passing of long-time Red Brian Morgan, Tully has his eyes set on getting Sauchie back competing.

Colin Samuel will also form part of Tully's backroom staff. (Image: Sauchie Juniors) He continued: "The way last season went with the COMET system and the loss of our friend and teammate Brian (Morgan), the club has a lot to fight for this season to get Sauchie back up among the top end of the table and fighting for titles."

Additionally, Tully has also got to work assembling his backroom staff for the upcoming season.

He's turned to former teammates Craig Comrie and Colin Samuel to help him lead Sauchie.

Tully added: "We as a management team can't wait now for pre-season to start next week and get all the guys ready to go for the new season."

Sauchie said that one other coach could potentially join the management team, but this is yet to be confirmed.